Claudia's story
This opportunity has helped me gain confidence in myself”
Claudia is from El Salvador, and works in Customer Service
Last year, Spain received over 31,000 requests for asylum and the number of people who need this help is increasing. At IKEA we don’t turn our backs on this problem, and we want to make our contribution, by improving the employability of people who are forced to flee their own countries, by means of our Employability Programme. Claudia has taken part in this project, and tells us her story.
Claudia arrived in Spain with her family a year and a half ago with the aim of overcoming new challenges, always thinking of a better future for her two children, who are her motivation to carry on day after day, according to her heartfelt words.
Through Accem, one of the refugee aid organisations with whom we are working, Claudia found out about our Employability Programme, and immediately joined the customer service department at the A Coruña IKEA store.
“What I have liked most is that that this employment programme has enabled me to engage with so many different people from different countries and cultures, so I’ve been able to talk to all these people, and to learn from them,” says Claudia.
Whilst working at IKEA, Claudia has been impressed by the internal organisation of the staff and their concern to give the best customer service: “In any job there are problems, but during my work experience at IKEA I haven’t had a single problem that couldn’t be resolved with a positive attitude and the help of my colleagues. The work I’ve done here has been one of the best things for me, to have been able to work with the public: it has given me a whole new set of skills.”
Our colleague Sainza has worked closely with Claudia, and has nothing but gratitude for the programme and her Salvadorean colleague:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Claudia. Right from the start she showed an incredible willingness to learn and slotted into the team straight away. Today, we are still working together and the experience is very gratifying.”
Sainza believes this project enriches everyone involved, both the company and the workers, as it makes us appreciate what we have but, “most of all for the refugees, who come from very difficult situations and we can give them the opportunity to improve their day-to-day lives.”
¿And what happens after the Employability Programme?
All Claudia asks for the future is “to have opportunities and not let them slip away.” She ended the interview by saying: “I am so grateful for the opportunity which I’ve been given, and the belief that has been shown in me, which has helped me gain confidence in myself.” Today, Claudia is still working with us.
If you would like further information about our Employability Programme, we recommend you read this article.